Eurozone retail sales rose sharply in November

According to the report from Eurostat, in November 2019 compared with October 2019, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 1.0% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.6% in the EU28. Economists had expected a 0.6% increase in the euro area. In October 2019, the retail trade volume decreased by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU28.

In November 2019 compared with November 2018, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.2% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU28. Economists had expected a 1.3% increase in the euro area

In the euro area in November 2019, compared with October 2019, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.4% for non-food products and by 0.7% for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuels decreased by 1.0%. In the EU28, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.9% for non-food products and by 0.5% for food, drinks and tobacco while automotive fuels decreased by 0.8%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Poland (+3.3%), Belgium (+2.7%) and Latvia (+2.6%). The largest decreases were observed in the United Kingdom (-1.7%), Ireland (-0.9%) and Finland (-0.5%).